With most players in the NBA now eligible to be traded and most of the league realizing how far ahead Golden State is, there could be some desperate moves coming soon. Add in that Pat Riley is always hunting for a big deal, and this is an interesting time for the Heat.

Miami’s mix has shown serious potential at times and could be a contender in the Eastern Conference, but it is hard to see this team challenging the Warriors. The Heat also have to manage future free agency scenarios.

The reported deal for DeMarcus Cousins would include Hassan Whiteside returning to the place he began his career. It would also include rookie Justise Winslow and other players to make the deal work salary-wise. Cousins is making $14.7 million this year, while Whiteside is at about $1 million and Winslow makes $2.5 million.

Cousins, 25, is actually a year younger than Whiteside and more proven. He made his first All-Star team last season while averaging 24.1 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, but the Kings might willing to deal him because discord with management.

One reason the Heat would feel comfortable letting Whiteside go is because they do not know how much they will have to pay to keep him in free agency this summer. Cousins is under contract through 2017-18 at a reasonably fair total of $47.3 million over those three seasons.

Howard is a trickier case, having just turned 30 and coming off a year in which he missed half the season due to injury. He makes $22.4 million this year with a player option for $23.3 million next season.

There is no reporting to suggest this is in play, but ESPN also floated a three-way trade in which the Heat give up Whiteside and Winslow and land Carmelo Anthony from the Knicks.

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